Christian And Muslim Women Plan Dialogue

The meeting has been named ”Moving towards a peace through religion” which was held 4-7 September and co-organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Tehran’s Institute for Interreligious Dialogue (IID).

The 25 women from Iran, USA, Pakistan, Senegal, Palestine, Sweden and other European countries discussed issues related to the role of women in interreligious dialogue, and had the opportunity to exchange experiences with Swedish families, and local Christian-Muslim women groups.

The process of asking questions and finding answers together was the foundation of the gathering. From religion and modernity to secularism, from integration of immigrant communities to civil courage and conflict transformation towards peacemaking, the women discussed many issues. They shared their concerns about education, media and human development, and reflected on the challenges they face as women in peacemaking.

IID hosted the first meeting of this project in Tehran on 24-28 November 2007. The backdrop of Iran for this debate was unique as it involved women participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America along with the Iranian women. These women – policy makers, journalists, educationists, doctors, NGO workers, religious scholars and filmmakers – were able to add numerous dimensions to the dialogue essential to create an impact on peacemaking. Source

 

It was the first time we had such a thing as inter-religious dialogue. There was some before, but not as interesting as this one. I think their approach is good and helpful. I hope they continue this and also i hope that it does not remain as the dialogue for we need some more action.

I strongly think that Muslim women need such a thing for themselves at particular though. Shi’a, Sunni and Sufi, from any sect, We also need dialogue and corporation.

I know, most of us may proclaim ourselves only as muslim. But sometimes while a simple talking,  arguments raise, everyone’s trying to input her entry, thought and belief. It makes us unable to see the deficiencies and weaknesses. I know most of us are so tired of arguments, esp when we face too many stereotypes even from our co-religious fellows. No matter Arab, Iranian, Afro, Asian or whatever, Muslim women need to learn and help together to clear up their way for the next generation.

Yep, we have bigger problems than attacking each others. Poverty , illiteracy and violence in some muslim countries continue to persist..